ParkBooker.com, Australia’s pioneering independent platform dedicated exclusively to holiday parks, has successfully secured an oversubscribed pre-seed funding round of $600,000. This investment is set to redefine the booking and marketing landscape for caravan parks and campgrounds, capitalizing on the surging popularity of these accommodations across the country.
This milestone aligns with Tourism Research Australia’s latest data, which reveals a sharp rise in trips to caravan parks and campgrounds. Australians increasingly opt for budget-friendly, experience-driven travel, reinforcing the need for a specialized booking solution.
Visionary Leadership & Unparalleled Market Focus
Josh Volk, former Global Head of Product at Sweat, the globally renowned fitness app co-founded by Kayla Itsines and Tobi Pearce, is at the helm of ParkBooker. Volk identified a significant gap in the online travel space—an industry still dominated by broad-spectrum online travel agents (OTAs) failing to cater to the unique needs of holiday park operators and travellers alike.
“Holiday parks are the backbone of Australian travel, yet they’ve been underserved by mainstream travel platforms. ParkBooker is here to change that, providing a streamlined and specialized solution designed for both operators and travelers,” Volk stated.
Heavyweight Investors Back the Vision
The $600,000 pre-seed funding round saw participation from prominent investors who recognized the untapped potential of the holiday park sector:
- Rising Tide Investment – A Singapore-based investment fund
- Tim Rossanis – Managing Director of Turo Australia
- Chad Stephens – Founder of 1form (acquired by REA Group) and Fillr (backed by SoftBank, later acquired by Rakuten)
- Yaniv Bernstein – Esteemed local angel investor
This robust investor backing signals confidence in ParkBooker’s mission to bridge the gap between holiday park operators and a growing traveller base.
Australia’s Holiday Park Boom: The Data Speaks
The launch of ParkBooker comes amid a record-breaking surge in caravan and camping travel. According to Tourism Research Australia, Australians took 15.3 million caravan and camping trips in the year ending 2023, generating $14.3 billion in tourism expenditure. These figures surpass pre-COVID levels, marking an all-time industry high.
The trend shows no signs of slowing down. Queensland, a key holiday park destination, recorded a 7.1% increase in caravan and camping visitor numbers by September 2024, with 13.3 million overnight stays resulting in $2.4 billion in visitor expenditure.
Industry Endorsement: A New Era for Holiday Park Bookings
The tourism sector has welcomed ParkBooker with open arms. Michelle Weston, CEO of the Queensland Holiday Parks Association, highlighted the platform’s significance in bringing greater visibility and accessibility to holiday park accommodations.
“The rise of platforms like ParkBooker is a game-changer for the industry. It allows holiday parks to reach a broader audience while simplifying the booking process for travelers. Holiday parks remain a top choice for families and retirees looking for affordable, community-driven travel experiences.”
Weston emphasized that the 2023-2024 summer season was one of the strongest on record, with a notable shift in demand from high-cost hotels to budget-friendly caravan parks and campgrounds. ParkBooker is strategically positioned to capitalize on this momentum.
ParkBooker’s Competitive Edge
Unlike traditional online travel agents that bundle all accommodations together, ParkBooker provides a specialized, dedicated platform that meets the unique demands of holiday parks. Key features of the platform include:
- Comprehensive Park Listings – Detailed descriptions, amenities, and traveller reviews.
- Seamless Booking System – A user-friendly interface that simplifies reservation management.
- Operator-Focused Solutions – Tailored marketing tools to help park owners maximize occupancy and revenue.
With its targeted approach, ParkBooker is poised to become the go-to booking platform for the holiday park sector.
Launch Timeline & Future Expansion
ParkBooker.com will launch this week, offering travellers an innovative way to book holiday park stays easily. The company’s roadmap includes:
- Expanding nationwide partnerships with holiday parks to ensure a comprehensive listing portfolio.
- Enhancing the user experience with cutting-edge digital tools tailored for the caravan and camping community.
- Exploring international opportunities, particularly in regions with a high demand for nature-driven travel experiences.
The Future of Holiday Park Travel is Here
With $600,000 in fresh capital, a strong leadership team, and a rapidly growing market, ParkBooker.com is poised to transform Australia’s holiday park industry. By addressing a longstanding gap in the travel tech space, this innovative platform is set to redefine how Australians experience caravan and camping travel.
For travellers seeking an affordable and seamless way to book their next outdoor adventure, ParkBooker.com is the solution they’ve been waiting for.
Written by: Anne Keam
